Reassurance || Leah Williamson

Twenty Three

As soon as I got the news I was practically running out the door. Leah made no attempt to stop me knowing I needed to be there for Vic right now. She told me to take care of myself too and to give Vic her best wishes.

I drove over to Vic's probably faster than I should've. Jill had called me while I was driving telling me she was taking the train down and would be there maybe in an hour or so. She also told me that Lynn was flying in tomorrow, Vic and Lynn had always been close.

I arrived at Vic's knocking on the door with urgency, when it opened I was met with Viv who's eyes were puffy. I frowned before stepping in and pulling her into a hug. We both knew what this meant and how it'll effect everyone. Football is cruel sometimes. It can take something so great away from you in a fraction of a second. Something I always remember in the back of my mind.

I pulled Viv into a hug that I think both of us needed in that moment, we broke away and Viv shut the door softly. Leading the way to the living room where Vic was sat with her leg propped up. Tears began to brim my eyes, "Oh Vic," my voice broke. I could see the pain in her eyes, she was heart broken. I pulled her into a hug, comforting her as best I could.

A few minutes later I pulled away, sitting next to Vic finally taking in the room around me and the people in it. Viv was sat with Beth who had driven her over wanting to be here for Vic as well. They knew more than anyone how hard this would be. They also sat with Alessia who had been here when Vic got the news, ultimately the one who called Beth and Viv.

The news had quickly spread through the team as people found out and quickly told others. Vic had turned her phone off, not wanting to see anything still in shock really. She was disheartened by this injury, she was right in the midst of solidifying her place in Arsenal's midfield. And she was succeeding with flying colors at that, having one hell of a season. This injury took all that away in a second. I sat with Vic comforting her and talking to her about everything besides the elephant in the room for another hour or so until a knock was heard at the door.

I got up knowing it was probably Jill, upon opening the door I was met with Jill but also Katie as well. Both had somber looks in their face, both obviously feeling terrible for Vic. Katie's eyes were heavy, she knew what this meant for Vic.

"Hey guys, come in." I ushered them inside, Katie walked towards the living room but Jill stood there waiting for me to close the door. Once I did, I turned around to face Jill. Tears fell down my face and she pulled me into a hug. "It's okay Tess, she'll be okay. She's strong. We're all here for her." Jill comforted me, knowing exactly what I was thinking.

During our first year at Twente together I tore my ACL in my second start for the club. It destroyed me. Demolishing my confidence, increasing my worry, increasing my overthinking, eating me alive. Jill was there for me every step of the way in my recovery, holding me when I cried, cheering me on in recovery, and was the first person to congratulate me on my return. She knew I knew exactly how Vic felt right now, and she knew I wanted to help Vic as best I could.

The group of us stayed at Vic's almost the whole day, until Viv and Beth needed to head home and Katie had plans with Caitlin as well. Alessia and Jill said they would stay with Vic tonight and practically pushed me out of the door. "Go home Tess, get some sleep. You haven't seen Leah all day, I know you miss her." Jill told me. She was right. I knew had was right. "Okay."

"I'll be back tomorrow Vic okay? Rest up, you've got a journey ahead of you. One I know you'll succeed in. You're strong." I gave her one last hug before I started my journey home.

I wasn't sure if Leah was still at mine, I hadn't been on my phone all day. I walked in, silence engulfing me. I set my keys down and slipped my shoes off making my way into the living room where I saw Leah curled up with a blanket watching Lord of the Rings. Her attention turned to me a frown taking over her features. I stood there for a moment not knowing what to do or feel really.